Stop the Traffick!

When Girl Scout Ambassador Phoebe Taylor attended a presentation on Human Trafficking with her troop, she was shocked to learn that Kansas City is reported to have the second highest rate of Trafficking in the United States. With Lansing, Kansas located just an hour away, she took the initiative to educate her community on the issue through her Gold Award Take Action Project. Phoebe wanted her community to be knowledgeable on the subject and hopefully prevent teenagers from falling victim to this horrible crime.

“My topic wasn’t the easiest to discuss or research, but I was able to set a plan and make sure that it didn’t become overwhelming!”

Phoebe worked with a graduate student in California to create a curriculum tailored to her region. Once the curriculum was finalized, Phoebe worked with her librarian to integrate the curriculum in her school’s weekly study hall that focuses on current events. She presented to the Mayor and Chief of Police of Lansing and gave two presentations open to the community at her local library. At the conclusion of all her presentations, participants were surveyed and the results indicated that 100% left more knowledgeable about human trafficking than when they arrived.

She also provided current research to a state senator to support legislation toward adding human trafficking training to commercial driver’s license requirements.

This project helped develop Phoebe’s public speaking skills and made her more confident in talking about sensitive topics. Phoebe’s presentation was so well received in her community that others have asked for more information and want to continue to raise awareness.

“I was able to become more aware on my community and I am now able to voice my opinions and concerns way more than I used to be able to,” Phoebe explained. “This has been one of the best experiences I have ever had.”